For families and caregivers – Preschool Field Officer Program

A group of young children playing with a sensory block activity. Only their arms and hands are visible

Supporting your kinder teacher to create a safe and welcoming learning experience for all children.

What do Preschool Field Officers do?

Preschool Field Officers (PSFOs) work with kindergarten educators across Victoria in funded Early Start Kinder, 3-Year-Old Kinder, 4-Year-Old Kinder, and Pre-Prep.

They are degree-qualified educators who know how to create quality inclusive programs and strategies with kindergartens. They also know a lot about other services and pathways for support that could be useful for you.

Preschool Field Officers can help to make the kinder experience better for children with all kinds of needs and communication styles.

Preschool Field Officers do not work directly with your child. However, they may attend your child’s kinder to support your kindergarten educator and see how things are going.

We need your written consent to work with your child’s kindergarten educator. Your kindergarten educator will tell you why they think extra support would be helpful, and what you can expect from the service.

What can I expect?

  • Your child’s educator will talk with about how your child learns and develops.
  • Your child’s educator will explain the PSFO program and gain your consent before support begins.
  • PSFOs work directly with educators to create an inclusive and responsive kindergarten program.
  • PSFOs may observe educators and children during play, routines and interactions to understand what is working well.
  • PSFOs coach and role model practical suggestions and adjustments, and provide helpful resources to your child’s educator.
  • PSFOs may also work with other professionals as part of a team when needed.
  • You child’s educator will keep you updated on the changes put in place to support your child's successful kindergarten experience. 

How can I request support for my child?

If you are worried about how your child is going at kindergarten, you are welcome to speak to your child’s educator about the Preschool Field Officer program.

If they do not know about the program, you can share our For educators page with them, or you can email us at psfo.team@darebin.vic.gov.au with your child's details and the name of their service for assistance.

For more information about the PSFO program, you can visit the Victorian Department of Education website.

What other supports are available?

Council services

  • Kinder registration: Registration for community kinder services across Darebin.
  • Maternal and Child Health: Maternal and child health nurses give advice on child health and development at key ages from birth to 4 years of age.
  • Immunisation: Immunisations for babies, children and adults given at free sessions across the community.
  • Family services: A free parenting support service for families with children aged 0 to 18 years.

Health services

Inclusion services

Fact sheets

Get in touch

Darebin PSFO Program
Monday to Friday 8.30am–4.30pm
Email: psfo.team@darebin.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0460 544 531

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